It only defines your season if you let it.
The big five-game road trip begins tonight in Edmonton, where the Oilers are feeling alright again despite a 7-7-1 record, and the Islanders (6-6-3) look to build off a recent uptick in play.
All the key injuries remain, though there’s at least a positive sign with Alex Romanov’s progress as he returned to practice. It’s 20-year-old Isaiah George’s first real road trip with the team, I trust they’ll treat him well.
When they get back, they’ll have three home games before U.S. Thanksgiving before closing out a busy, busy month with a back-to-back.
Leave First Islanders Goal picks here.
Islanders News
- Good news: Still in a no-contact jersey and not set to play tonight, but Alex Romanov was back at practice in Edmonton. [Isles]
- The Isles are taking it slow with Romanov after multiple heavy hits. [Newsday | Post]
- Previewing tonight: The Oilers are coming off a thumping of Vancouver, and Connor McDavid is back healthy and racking up points. [Isles]
- Hard to believe, but a win tonight could put the Isles in a wild card spot. [THN]
- Is Anders Lee on the rebound, and is it from working with Adam Oates this summer? [Post]
- Arthur Staple did part 2 of his mailbag, on the blown leads, what he’d do if GM, and how Max Tsyplakov has worked out so far. [Athletic]
- Prospect Report: Cameron Berg returns fro injury and logs a couple points for North Dakota. [Isles]
Elsewhere
Last night’s scores included wins for the Flyers and Hurricanes, while the Penguins were demolished (teehee) 7-1 by the Stars.
- Could the Jets keep the top spot all season? [Sportsnet]
- They appear to be not only winning but improving with every game. [Sportsnet]
- The Flames lose Anthony Mantha (knee) for the rest of the season. [TSN]
- In a surprise to no one, Gary Bettman says the NHL could play more games overseas. [Sportsnet]
- New York Islanders legend and one-time Bruin and Senator Zdeno Chara is one of the leading new candidates for the Hall of Fame next year. [NHL]